Translation guide
The English word "restraint" covers several distinct meanings: self-control, physical restriction, and moderation. Japanese uses different words and expressions for each.
The ability to control one's emotions, impulses, or behavior.
General term for self-restraint or self-control. Often used in phrases like 自制心 (self-control).
彼は自制心が強い。
He has strong self-restraint.
怒りを自制するのは難しい。
It's difficult to restrain one's anger.
Suppression or control of emotions, desires, or actions. Often used in psychological or formal contexts.
感情を抑制する。
To restrain one's emotions.
To endure or hold back, often used for tolerating discomfort or suppressing urges.
食べたいけど我慢する。
I want to eat but I'll restrain myself.
To refrain from doing something, to hold back. Often used for abstaining from actions.
甘いものは控えています。
I'm restraining myself from sweets.
The act of holding someone or something back physically, or the state of being physically restricted.
Physical restraint, often used in legal or police contexts (e.g., restraining a person).
警察は容疑者を拘束した。
The police restrained the suspect.
Can also mean physical restraint or suppression, such as restraining growth or movement.
To hold down or pin someone physically.
Restraint in the sense of binding or restricting freedom, often metaphorical but can be physical.
Exercising restraint in consumption, spending, or intensity.
To have moderation or restraint in behavior, especially in consumption or lifestyle.
彼は飲酒に節度がある。
He shows restraint in drinking.
To be moderate or restrained, often used for food, drink, or behavior.
塩分は控えめにしてください。
Please exercise restraint with salt.
Also used for moderation in general, especially in formal contexts.
自制 (self-control) is about controlling one's own desires or emotions. 抑制 (suppression) is often used for external control or formal suppression of phenomena. 我慢 (endurance) implies bearing something unpleasant. Choose based on whether the restraint is internal, external, or about endurance.
Directly translating 'restraint' as 拘束 may sound like police handcuffs. For everyday self-restraint, use 自制 or 控える.
インフレを抑制する政策。
Policies to restrain inflation.
暴れる人を押さえた。
They restrained the violent person.
自由を束縛する。
To restrain one's freedom.
Restraint is required.